MSC Virtuosa - July 26th 2025

[david63]

Having cancelled our Cunard cruise (not sending my ££ to Trump) we have booked a 14 night cruise on MSC Virtuosa around the Med. Not sure how we will like either MSC or the ship but as the saying goes "nothing ventured - nothing gained".

MSC Virtuosa is similar in size and number of passengers to Iona/Arvia but does appear to be aimed more at an American passenger, even though it is a European cruise line, with its water slides and its climbing wall. Also will be interesting as to how many children are onboard as it will be school holidays.

We have booked one of the Yacht Club suites (which are actually the equivalent of DL balcony cabins) which was almost the same price as a similar Arvia cruise but on MSC it includes drinks package, wifi and tips. One interesting fact with MSC is that if you are over 65 then you become a member of their Seniors Club which, amongst other things gives you 10% off the cruise price and MSC also match other cruise line's loyalty programs (well in theory they do but time will tell!)

[Stephen]

I stand to be corrected David but I alway thought MSC attracted more of the Italian clientele.

[barney]

My SiL has cruised twice with MSC.

1st time they liked it.
2nd time they didn't.

From what I've heard, the Yacht club (ship within a ship) is pretty good.

They are very much a pile 'em high and sell 'em cheap type of company, but the Yacht club is quite separate.

OOH ! edit - one thing they really disliked was the constant announcements in numerous different languages .

[david63]

I stand to be corrected David but I alway thought MSC attracted more of the Italian clientele.

May well do but it is a Southampton to Southampton cruise which may alter the demographic. Actually the majority of their ships are US based so it will be interesting to see how many, if any, Trumpites American come over

[david63]

one thing they really disliked was the constant announcements in numerous different languages

That's one thing that I am not looking forward to - had that before and it is a pia.

A lot depends on how many passengers that there are with the other languages because in my experience the "foreigners" talk over anything that is not in their language - especially muster drill.

[towny44]

I stand to be corrected David but I alway thought MSC attracted more of the Italian clientele.

Not when sailing from Southampton.

[Stephen]

I stand to be corrected David but I alway thought MSC attracted more of the Italian clientele.

Not when sailing from Southampton.

Why not.

We fly out to other countries to join a ship. Plus some Italian tourists may add London to their trip either before or after their cruise.

[towny44]

I stand to be corrected David but I alway thought MSC attracted more of the Italian clientele.

Not when sailing from Southampton.

Why not.

We fly out to other countries to join a ship. Plus some Italian tourists may add London to their trip either before or after their cruise.

I suppose that might apply to Itallian tourists wanting to do Baltic or Fjords cruises, but they would be in the minority.

[Stephen]

Have it your way.

[Mervyn and Trish]

I wouldn't go near. According to the current TV series a passenger gets murdered every week.

[Portsmouth]

" According to the current TV series a passenger gets murdered every week." it's hard to believe but maybe it's true

When I had a cruise on MSC a few years ago in the Med, they did have 5 languages when they made announcements ( Just like Costa Cruises ).
The difference was noticeable when I had a cruise from Southampton....English was used for announcements and entertainment was more for an British audience.
I was on the Virtuosa in 2019.....the big difference from Cunard is that the Medallion they provide unlocks your cabin door as you get near it...but you still have to open the door yourself.
I enjoyed being on the Virtuosa having an Oceanview cabin and as you are in the MSC Yacht Club I think it will make a big difference in a positive way to the enjoyment of your cruise. Don't forget to have some white clothes for White Party Night.

It looks like July 26th is just after the end of term for schools, and MSC seems to be offering reduced prices for kids so you might have quite a few children onboard. I hope you enjoy the change ...I think you'll have a fantastic experience in the yacht club.

[Portsmouth]

Was going to fly out and pick up a Msc cruise in the Med but the cabins were not where I wanted them and didn't like the idea of all the crowds at the airport for Bank Holiday flights.....so
I've booked a last minute 5 night cruise from Southampton on Msc Virtuosa....leaves on Tuesday....4 days to go

Oh....just realised the title says July 26th...maybe should have started a new thread...I'm so bad

[barney]

Enjoy Pompey

[Onelife]

Nice one Pompey…your perseverance paid off in the end…Enjoy!